NFL Network: A Tom Brady Comeback Is In Play
February 13th, 2022
Tom Brady’s cold retirement feet are now on ice, it seems.
Joe can envision Brady on his hands and knees weeping, begging his wife for permission to play one more season.
Perhaps she blessed one more year?
In a stunning report this morning on NFL.com, league-employed reporters Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero wrote about how the Bucs are doing their homework on creepy, sleazy Deshaun Watson and Russell Wilson to replace Brady while simultaneously prepping for whatever demands Brady has to play again in 2022.
The Buccaneers are leaving the door open for Tom Brady in case the legendary quarterback changes his mind on retirement, and sources say they would do whatever is necessary for him to return — a possibility Brady himself isn’t completely ruling out.
If not, the Bucs have shifted their focus to other veteran QBs who could be available via trade. Sources say they’re doing extensive homework on Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson and are one of multiple teams expected to explore a potential trade for Russell Wilson, though the Seahawks have given no indication they’ll deal him.
Joe has to smile thinking of Brady being annoyed less than two weeks ago about ESPN reporters breaking the news of his retirement, in part because he didn’t want to distract from the remaining postseason games. And then Brady retired a day later but reopened the window to return six days after that.
And now, on Super Bowl morning, top league reporters are trumpeting the foundation for a Brady return.
Man, Brady sure seems to be pulling all the strings.
Regardless, there’s clearly an opportunity here for the Bucs, however small it may be.
Time for Team Glazer, Jason Licht and Bucco Bruce Arians to close the deal.
Super Bowl party shopping is about to kick off.
Find your closest @BigStormBrewing taproom. https://t.co/ahQRb5KQMU
Or get to Publix and other smart retailers.
Be the best guest you can be!
Bring Florida's best craft beer. ✅ pic.twitter.com/038gcTLHz9— JoeBucsFan (@JoeBucsFan) February 13, 2022
February 13th, 2022 at 9:02 am
yes please
February 13th, 2022 at 9:04 am
Drip, drip, drip……
February 13th, 2022 at 9:04 am
To be real , if we land Russ or Watson it’s too late for Brady … He knew he wanted to keep playing here so why play with this city & organization like that ..Trade his rights for a 1st rounder & player .. whatever’ team can have him for 1-2 years max…. If we can’t land them then fine come on back lol
GoBucs!
February 13th, 2022 at 9:08 am
If he plays next year it probably won’t be in Tampa.
My guess is TB12 works out a deal with the Bucs which will lower his cap hit this off season push his bonus money into the next three years.
In exchange for this salary cap relief the Bucs release TB12 and allow him to join the team he wants to play for.
My guess is the SF 49ers…
The 49ers have all the pieces except a QB.
February 13th, 2022 at 9:14 am
Indy would be my second guess. They are also stacked with talent but can’t be too happy with C. Wentz as their QB. Plus they are in good salary cap shape compared to the Bucs.
Only issue is Wentz’s contract… $15 million guaranteed still on the table.
February 13th, 2022 at 9:19 am
We will know depending on our FA moves…..if we don’t bring in a big money QB & resign Godwin & Jensen….they know he’s coming back…..but, until then it’s simply a media-driven event.
February 13th, 2022 at 9:20 am
He’s waiting for Bowles to secure his girls field hockey job at Clearwater high school first!
February 13th, 2022 at 9:25 am
Oh enough of this, Brady either stays retired or he plays for the Bucs in 2022. This 49ers crap has always been fictional created by sports media morons in New England that have no credibility like Scott Zolak that fling crap at walls.
Bucs are not trading his rights to anyone, period.
February 13th, 2022 at 9:25 am
If Brady comes back, he’s a bigger fool than I ever imagined. Stay out on top. Why risk being carted off the field or a severe injury? My guess is Watson or Jimmy G. The asking price for Wilson will be steep. And I would not pay that price. Word is, The Bucs are doing heavy research on Watson. But the guy faces many legal hurdles. Jimmy G on the other hand can be had from the 9ers for a 2nd and 3rd rd pick. IF….Brady is smart, he will stay retired.
February 13th, 2022 at 9:28 am
Blaine Gabbert will open the season at QB.
February 13th, 2022 at 9:31 am
2 years of Tom is just not enough. we need more
February 13th, 2022 at 9:32 am
It feels like most of the people who think Tom Brady may un-retire are the ones who have a vested interest in keeping the story of whether Tom Brady will un-retire alive.
February 13th, 2022 at 9:35 am
Brady definitely coming back , whether it’s here or elsewhere… we all knew he wasn’t ready to sit just was butt hurt about losing in that fashion . Gronk hasn’t retired for a reason lol … I Want Deshaun, followed by Trask if no Brady .
GoBucs!
February 13th, 2022 at 9:38 am
As predicted by a few of us…while dismissed by many…he’s trying to get to San Fran or perhaps a sleeper/darkhorse team. He’s done with the Bucs me thinks.
February 13th, 2022 at 9:47 am
This is the forever cringeworthy stories and reporting we are left with. Tom is retired, oh no he’s not retired. Back and forth for the foreseeable future. Tom is the new Aaron Roger’s or Brett Favre and attention seeking. Today is Matt Stafford and Joe Burrow day!! Tom take a back sear for once
February 13th, 2022 at 9:53 am
Took the words right out of my mouth (keyboard?) Lamarcus. What a mess this has become. Jerking everyone around just because he can? smh
February 13th, 2022 at 9:53 am
What’s with all these idiots saying the 49ers have all the pieces in place and that’s who Brady wants to play for? This point is nonsense. The Bucs are built to win now and have a better roster than most of the league
February 13th, 2022 at 9:54 am
In many ways Brady is simply doing what Lebron James has done. I’m forever grateful for his time in Tampa but he’s logged onto movin’on.com and is playing 4D chess/elsewhere . I’m afraid the Bucs are playing Chinese Checkers. They have his “rights” but he has the power. No doubt about it.
February 13th, 2022 at 9:59 am
It’s not TB12, its the media. The guy deserves some time to think. He’s earned it.
February 13th, 2022 at 10:01 am
Brady isn’t Jenkins anyone around, the media is. The rest is all speculation.
February 13th, 2022 at 10:11 am
Jerking
February 13th, 2022 at 10:16 am
Oh, are u guys talking about the same “media” that was the first to report he was retiring………. Gotcha… I’m supposed to believe they are making this up?? …. Yea ok
February 13th, 2022 at 10:17 am
Lmao. Two articles ago was ‘Publication Predicts Bucs Sign Americas QB’
February 13th, 2022 at 10:17 am
So dumb he had no reason to rush his retirement announcement and now so soon afterwards can’t even get him to completely shut the down on a return even if he did come back. Should have never announced it, leaving a fan base in suspense does not make you appealing
February 13th, 2022 at 10:22 am
More Tom Brady?
Yes please.
February 13th, 2022 at 10:31 am
Guys, if he comes back, it won’t be to play for the Bucs.
February 13th, 2022 at 10:37 am
Good sign Brady back up and get ready for the season. i am not even going to watch SB it is on NBC and no signal here. I hate NBC anyway.
February 13th, 2022 at 10:52 am
I am also tired of people saying the 49ers have a better roster than the Bucs. They have one playmaker on offense and possession TE. Bucs have a great line, two top 5 WRs, and Gronk if Brady is back. And I’m sure more pieces would come if Brady returned.
February 13th, 2022 at 10:55 am
Let Brady go and let’s see if BA can develop a quarterback because he’s the quarterback whisper remember? I’m starting to believe that Jamies was set up to fail by BA ! The question is was Jamies the real problem with the Bucs or was he a scapegoat ? If the bucs don’t develop Trask or another young quarterback than Tampa is where young quarterbacks careers come and die !! No excuses we have a young quarterback who played good in college so tell me what’s the new excuse yall are going to come with? Lol 😆 🤣!! If the bucs go get another veteran even if it’s Brady yall can’t bash no quarterback the bucs drafted!! To me this is a coward franchise and fan base for the ones that’s beginning Brady to come back or asking for another veteran!! This site is for the coward bucs fans!! Develop your own quarterback stop beginning for other teams legendary quarterbacks cowards!!
February 13th, 2022 at 10:57 am
He’s coming back but he’s not playing for the Yucs.
February 13th, 2022 at 11:10 am
Meanwhile Brady is in Costa Rica having no contact with agent or media this is all a joke. If he does come back:
Brady’s best chance to win #8
1)San Fran
2)Indy
3)Denver
4)New England
5)New Orleans
6)Tampa
We got what we needed from him. Its time to develope our future. Follow the cincy, buffalo, and Kc mold. Keep drafting potential qbs until you find your franchise guy. Build around him and you have stability for 10 years
February 13th, 2022 at 11:11 am
The Buccaneers OWN all rights to TB12 ,Brady will play for the Bucs or he will not unretire , unless a team wants to trade a kings ransom for him.
February 13th, 2022 at 11:15 am
uhmmm
Why don’t you spend 5 minutes on over the cap dot com genius…
The Bucs have $5 million in cap space and 26 free agents – 12 of which are starters.
The Bucs are not built for anything at the moment until we re-sign most of the players.
Get real dude…
February 13th, 2022 at 11:19 am
@ nick carson
You are not being very unrealistic…
Two of our lineman are free agents and so is Godwin – along with over half the team right now. Of course we will be able to bring some back but not all of them…
Gronk is not coming back nor is Brady.
February 13th, 2022 at 11:20 am
@ nick
lol
YOU ARE NOT BEING REALISTIC…
excuse the typo.
February 13th, 2022 at 11:23 am
Oneilbuc so does Denver not get credit for the super bowl with Manning? Ohhhhh wait still adds up the same, why don’t you go watch some old FSU football and work one off.
February 13th, 2022 at 11:25 am
I don’t understand the 49er angle at all. The guy holds a grudge and a chip on his shoulder like MJ. The people who passed on him are still with SF. I mean, if he did go there, it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility, but I’d be surprised. At this point, it’s just a feel good story that Brady brings a Super Bowl back to San Francisco. I just don’t see SF giving Tom Brady as much say in personnel decisions as we did, we were desperate to get to the playoffs.
Why wouldn’t he play for the Bucs if we brought the center pieces back? He won with this team and coaching staff. He has said that you win some, you lose some. A handful of plays can either go your way (2020) or not (2021).
He seems like a guy who you could count on being loyal to a team and a fanbase. And we keep forgetting, part of the reason he chose the East coast was to remain close to his son in NY.
February 13th, 2022 at 11:31 am
A common refrain is that Gruden won the Superbowl with Dungys’ Team , however the facts reveal a 22 player difference in the 53 man roster that Gruden fielded in 2002. Bucs can turn over 15 to 20 players next year and accomplish the same. Mike Greenberg is the best capologist in the NFL and is the real genius behind making it all work cap wise.
February 13th, 2022 at 11:33 am
@ lambchop
Forget the “holding grudges ” BS… It’s all about TB12 winning another Super Bowl.
If you think TB12 gives two squats about Tampa you are fooling yourself.
IF TB12 returns it will be to a team that has a chance at winning the SB. The Bucs window of opportunity is closing.
Low salary cap + 12 starters are free agents and another 14 free agents are quality depth and role players.
February 13th, 2022 at 11:37 am
Even if we restructure several contracts and get help from TB12 the most the Bucs have to spend in free agency is @ $40 million tops…
$40 million to re-sign:
Godwin
Jenson
Fournette
Cappa
Gronk
JPP
Suh
Gholston
Davis
Whitehead
Triner
That’s just our 12 starters we need to re-sign. There is another 14 quality depth players plus we will need @ $6.8 million to sign our draft picks.
Good luck with that.
February 13th, 2022 at 11:41 am
Maybe Brady comes back as our starter and we sign Jameis and Johnny Football as backups. 😂
February 13th, 2022 at 11:52 am
@Marine Buc
Very true. I don’t think we sign everybody, and I don’t think we want too either.
February 13th, 2022 at 12:09 pm
I really hate having to explain cap issues to those that refuse to educate themselves , but let me dumb it down.
teams have discovered a clever short-term trick: If you convert a player’s base salary into a signing bonus, you can create cap room out of nothing.
Bucs Base Salaries :
Evans-14
Barrett-16
Smith-16
David-12
Marpet-11
Brate-7
These numbers are in millions and rounded up or down to the nearest million. All that need be done is to lengthen the contract and restructure the deal moving tens of millions to signing bonus and thereby creating cap room out of nothing. Bucs are fine if they want to sign Russell Wilson or whomever they desire.
February 13th, 2022 at 12:13 pm
@ Tackle
True. But the players we do not re-sign still need to be replaced…
We only have 6 draft picks and the seventh rounder does not always make the club.
If Gronk, JPP and Suh are gone we will still need to find quality players to replace them and that will cost salary cap dollars.
There is no easy way out.
Not to mention – the only QB on the roster currently is Trask…
February 13th, 2022 at 12:17 pm
@ Bucsfansince1776
Thanks for clearing that up…
Go over to Pewter Report. They just released an article on this very topic.
I highly doubt you know squat compared to those guys regarding the Bucs.
They seem to agree with me not you.
$40 million tops.
Our only hope is the players we are re-signing will help us out by back loading the contracts in order to help us out.
Plus – it takes two to tango. You are just assuming that all these players will want to restructure? It is not automatic bud.
February 13th, 2022 at 12:29 pm
Players that wear Super Bowl Rings (there are not that many) will bend over backwards to get back to the promised land. I am good friends with a lot of NFL players – are you?
February 13th, 2022 at 12:34 pm
@ Bucsfansince1976
Yes. I am best friends with a bunch of football players…
Now what?
February 13th, 2022 at 12:58 pm
If you truly were , I would not have to spend so much time educating you.
February 13th, 2022 at 12:58 pm
Ok Marine and bfs76 just whip them out on the table to see who’s bigger.
Oneill would love/pay to see that!
MarineBuc just saw that 1776 reference. Stupid funny man😂😂!
February 13th, 2022 at 1:00 pm
Brady’s had like a month to ‘spend more time with the family’….that’s probably long enough for him to miss football again. (“DAAAAAD, WHHHHYYYY can’t I go to Billy’s house???”….”SHE messed with my toys!”….”Honey, let’s go to Bed Bath & Beyond to look at curtains!”)
February 13th, 2022 at 1:10 pm
@ bucsfansince 1976
Thank you very much for your valued input.
It’s nice to know the Bucs will have an unlimited amount of cap dollars to spend this off season.
Hopefully – we are able to sign Aaron Rodgers as our starting QB and Rus Wilson as our back-up…
Maybe add D. Watson as our third string QB…
After all the cap doesn’t exisit any longer.
Yea!!! Go Bucs!
All my pro football player friends will love to hear this!!!
Woo-Hoo!
February 13th, 2022 at 1:15 pm
I hear Watson is great in the film room- bring new meaning to ALL 22.
February 13th, 2022 at 1:16 pm
Tom probably wants an added clause in his contract, to quarantine the Horsefaced Commandant in Costa Rica from July until after the Super Bowl. In comfortable surroundings of course.
February 13th, 2022 at 1:20 pm
Brady quit dont let him back its time to move on . Dont let him play for another team either unless heavily compensated
February 13th, 2022 at 2:03 pm
@Hodad Says:
“Blaine Gabbert will open the season at QB.”
————-
Very possible variant.
If proven true, is going to be the worst lost on opening day.
After the game BA will brief: “Gabbert did a great job, he through zero interception, and controlled the ball very good by keep it for himself. WRs couldn’t get open; RBs put no efforts; and BL was excellent on play calling.” – reporter: anything else to add? BA: “Yeah, our team is fully vax and covid free”.
February 13th, 2022 at 2:05 pm
Until Tom Brady says he’s playing, this is a 100% creation of the NFL speculation industrial complex. As such, it’s mainly just click generating tripe.
February 13th, 2022 at 2:07 pm
Obviously Brady was contemplating retirement. Given enough time to make a decision on his own timetable. I think he would have chosen to play. He obviously didn’t want to be forced into making a decision right away. When all the reports in the media came out it kinda pressured him into making an announcement. He seems like one of those guys that says you want pressure me for and answer right now? OK I’m retiring.
I think all the media hype swirling around him forced his decision prematurely. I hope the front office doesn’t solidify his choice to retire by looking at other QB options.
February 13th, 2022 at 2:16 pm
Licht – get Brady to unretire and play for the Bucs.
Or, if he really is but hurt about a super bowl win and a 14-5 season because the Bowels of Todd released, then do something about Todd.
If that’s still not enough, call Mark Davis, who just hired Brady love interest McDaniel. Offer Brady for Carr, Waller and a first rounder.
February 13th, 2022 at 2:28 pm
Whatever. I effing hate drama and being in the dark. Can somebody please provide us some ANVIS googles and not the cheap junk.
February 13th, 2022 at 3:37 pm
Ok Tom, How much do you want ? $50 Mill for 1 year ? Fine…. done! GO BUCS!!!
February 13th, 2022 at 3:50 pm
Forget Brady I hope he don’t come back !! Yall need to stop kissing 💋 Brady but !!
February 13th, 2022 at 4:03 pm
is it me or is this brady guy turning out to be worse than AB ?
get him outta here…who needs him playing us like a fiddle…
he seems to be a ring scammer moving forward, and he’s wearing thin on me and a lot of the fan base now…
golf shirt or not, he’s starting to look sleazy…
this really sucks…
as far as i’m concerned, he can go back to boston if this continues, and take his bs trophy with him…
#PoisoningHisLegacy #PoisoningHisTimeInTampa
February 13th, 2022 at 4:41 pm
Oneilbucyall, you all stop kissing Brady’s white butt because you have no problem gluing your lips to Jamiases arse.
February 13th, 2022 at 5:38 pm
Listnfrmafar . I don’t want Jamies back so what are talking about lol 😆 😂!! Trask or a rookie quarterback should be the starter I rather have Trask but I don’t want no more old quarterbacks regardless who they are. And you right I don’t kiss no man behind and I will never beg a white man for nothing even if it’s football!! I hope Brady stay retire and never come back to the bucs!! Most of yall are a bunch of coward bucs fans forget Brady we can develop our own quarterback!! Go Bucs!!!
February 13th, 2022 at 5:42 pm
I think if he does come back he will also be single.
Giselle packs up the kids and heads to Brazil.
February 13th, 2022 at 6:05 pm
Let’s hope it’s not Deshaun Watson!
February 13th, 2022 at 6:15 pm
Oneilbucyall, the goal is to win SB’s and not to wait 10yrs to compete for one. Ryan Leaf, Miure, Tony Eason, Rob Johnson, Tim Tebow, Drew Lock, Trevor Siemion and many, many more QB busts in the NFL. It ain’t that easy. Guys like Zak Wilson, Lance, Love, Jones, Fields can disappear in a minute. Look what happened to Sam Darnold, at least he has an excuse Bowles was his head coach that explains his failure.
February 13th, 2022 at 6:25 pm
Brady did not reopen the door – he was asked how he’ll feel 6-months from now and he said he didn’t know.
My god, the fake news speculation around this is unbelieve. He’s done. Get over it.
February 13th, 2022 at 6:48 pm
Pease, no more Brady. Done with him.
February 13th, 2022 at 6:49 pm
Please, no more Brady.
February 14th, 2022 at 10:35 am
Please no sex offender Watson. Even if the Bucs would get him probably for a king’s ransom plus a astronomical salary, who says he would be eligble to play in 2022. NO THANKS! Wilson would be another high priced addition at 33 & he’s no Brady by a long shot. Again NO THANKS! I think Carr would be a better option or go with what you have.
February 14th, 2022 at 11:18 am
Brady is done in Tampa. He’s the girl who broke up with us. Let it go. Fantasize all you want it will never happen.
Remember when a girl broke up with you and you took her back? How did that work out?
Let’s get a Veteran QB, make a SB run this year and then remake the team post-BA and start the process again.
February 14th, 2022 at 1:20 pm
@Marine Buc posted this:
“My guess is TB12 works out a deal with the Bucs which will lower his cap hit this off season push his bonus money into the next three years.
In exchange for this salary cap relief the Bucs release TB12 and allow him to join the team he wants to play for.”
***
You clearly have no idea how the cap works. You can’t push out ANYTHING on a player you just released or put on the retired list. Once you remove a player from the roster, you take the hit immediately. Period. End of story.
February 15th, 2022 at 8:51 am
I totally agree with Tom Brady to the 49rs it makes sense in all ways. That’s where you close the chapter to your career when that’s where you grew up watching and admiring Joe Montana.